The award recognizes extensive or exceptional service to SDA and the exercise of outstanding leadership within the Association that promoted the growth and interests of the SDA and the industries it represents. The award was presented at SDA''s 2010 Annual Meeting and Industry Convention at The Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida.

Stepan has worked for the company founded by his father, Alfred C. Stepan, Jr., since 1961, serving in various executive leadership roles as director, president and chief executive officer (CEO) and currently as the chairman of the company''s board of directors.

In the time of Stepan''s leadership, the Stepan Company has grown in size and stature to a $1.5 billion enterprise with 1,500 employees and 14 manufacturing facilities around the world. Stepan Company, one of the largest global manufacturers of surfactants and polyester polyols, is based in Northfield, Illinois.

"Quinn Stepan has been a major force in the chemical industry for decades," said Ernie Rosenberg, SDA president and CEO. "We greatly appreciated his perspective and leadership during his time on SDA''s Board of Directors."

The SDA Distinguished Service Award is named in honor of the late Elva Walker Spillane, the former National Purity LLC chief executive who served on SDA''s board for 20 years. The award recognizes extensive or exceptional service to SDA and the exercise of outstanding leadership within the Association that promoted the growth and interests of the SDA and the industries it represents.

About the Soap and Detergent Association

The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry®, represents the $30 billion U.S. cleaning products market. SDA members include the formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and oleochemical producers. SDA and its members are dedicated to improving health and the quality of life through sustainable cleaning products and practices.